Chapter Fifteen

**TARA**

The hospital's sterile atmosphere only heightened my anxiety. Each beep from the machines, every sterile smell, and every nurse's glance felt like a reminder of the uncertainty hanging over us. Ryan tried to comfort me, but the worry etched on his face betrayed his own fear.

One evening, after another round of tests, I found myself alone in the room. Ryan had stepped out to make a call. I tried to calm my racing thoughts, focusing on the rhythmic beeping of the monitors. Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Becca stepped in, her face a mix of concern and determination.

"Hey, Tara," she said softly, pulling a chair next to my bed. "How are you feeling?"

I managed a weak smile. "Scared, mostly."

She nodded, taking my hand in hers. "You're strong. You'll get through this."

Before I could respond, the door opened again, and Ryan walked in, his face pale. He glanced at Becca, then at me, and I could see something was wrong.

"What is it, Ryan?" I asked, my heart pounding.

He hesitated, then sighed. "I just got off the phone with Dammy. He found out something about Lara."

Becca frowned. "Your ex?"

Ryan nodded. "She's been meeting with someone. A guy named Marcus. Dammy says he's dangerous."

A chill ran down my spine. "What does she want?"

"I don't know," Ryan admitted, his voice tight. "But we need to be careful."

**RYAN**

The weight of Dammy's warning pressed heavily on me. I couldn't let my fear show in front of Tara. She needed me to be strong, but my mind was racing with possibilities. Marcus was a wildcard, and if Lara was desperate enough to involve him, we were in serious trouble.

Later that night, as Tara slept fitfully, I sat by her bed, my thoughts in turmoil. Suddenly, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Dammy: "Marcus is on the move. Be alert."

My pulse quickened. I couldn't leave Tara alone, but I needed to confront Marcus. I texted Becca, asking her to come back to the hospital. When she arrived, I explained the situation quickly.

"Stay with Tara. Don't let her out of your sight," I instructed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Becca nodded, her eyes wide with fear. "Be careful, Ryan."

I slipped out of the room, my heart pounding. The hospital corridors were eerily quiet as I made my way to the entrance. I had no clear plan, just a determination to protect Tara at all costs.

**TARA**

I awoke to find Becca sitting beside me, her expression anxious. "Where's Ryan?" I asked, panic rising in my chest.

"He went to deal with something," she said evasively. "He'll be back soon."

The unease in her voice only made me more anxious. "What's going on, Becca?"

Before she could answer, the door creaked open, and a man I didn't recognize stepped in. He was tall, with a sinister smile that sent a jolt of fear through me.

"Good evening, ladies," he said smoothly. "I'm Marcus."

Becca stood up, placing herself between me and the stranger. "What do you want?"

Marcus's smile widened. "I'm here to deliver a message."

**RYAN**

I hurried through the hospital, my mind racing. I needed to find Marcus before he could get to Tara. As I rounded a corner, I saw him standing outside Tara's room, talking to Becca.

My heart leaped into my throat. I approached quietly, trying to catch his words. "...deliver a message," I heard him say.

"Stay away from her," Becca snapped.

Marcus chuckled, a chilling sound. "I'm afraid I can't do that."

I lunged forward, grabbing Marcus by the shoulder and spinning him around. "Leave them alone!"

Marcus's eyes glinted with malice. "Ah, Ryan. Just in time."

He swung at me, but I dodged, my adrenaline pumping. We grappled, the hallway echoing with the sounds of our struggle. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Becca pulling Tara away, trying to shield her from the chaos.

**TARA**

Becca tugged me toward the door, her face a mask of fear. "We have to go, Tara!"

I stumbled after her, my heart pounding. I glanced back to see Ryan and Marcus locked in a fierce struggle. My mind screamed at me to stay, to help, but Becca's grip was firm.

We burst into the hallway, but before we could make it far, another figure appeared. A woman with cold, calculating eyes—Lara.

"Going somewhere?" she sneered.

**RYAN**

Marcus was stronger than I anticipated, and he fought with a ruthless precision. I struggled to keep him at bay, my thoughts racing. Tara and Becca were in danger, and now Lara was here.

I managed to land a punch, staggering Marcus, but he quickly recovered, his eyes blazing with anger. "You're making a big mistake, Ryan," he growled.

"Get out of here, Marcus," I spat back. "This is between me and Lara."

He smirked. "Oh, but it involves Tara now, too."

Panic surged through me as I realized the depth of the threat. I had to end this, but Marcus was relentless. He threw a brutal punch, and I felt pain explode across my jaw. I staggered back, struggling to stay on my feet.

**TARA**

Lara's presence sent a wave of terror through me. Becca tried to shield me, but I knew we were trapped. Lara's smile was cold and triumphant.

"Did you really think you could escape me, Tara?" she taunted. "Ryan can't protect you."

Becca stepped forward, her voice shaking with anger. "Leave her alone, Lara. Haven't you done enough?"

Lara's smile faltered for a moment. "You have no idea what I've been through because of him. This is my revenge."

Before I could react, Lara lunged at me, grabbing my arm and pulling me away from Becca. I struggled, but her grip was like iron.

**RYAN**

Through the haze of pain, I saw Lara grabbing Tara. A surge of rage gave me strength, and I pushed Marcus away with all my might. I stumbled toward Lara, desperate to reach Tara.

"Let her go, Lara!" I shouted, my voice raw with desperation.

Lara turned, her eyes cold. "It's too late, Ryan. This is just the beginning."

And then, with a chilling laugh, she dragged Tara into the shadows, leaving me with Marcus and a sense of impending doom that settled over me like a shroud.